Breast Feeding Practices in Pakistan

Abstract

The beneficial effects of breast feeding, both for the mother and child, are well-known. However, there is evidence that breast feeding is on the decline in many developing countries. In 1991-92, a nationwide survey was conducted in Pakistan to collect baseline health information on a variety of maternal and child health issues. Several of the survey questions addressed breast feeding practices. Survey results indicate that fewer mothers are breast feeding their children, and that mothers who do breast-feed often supplement breast milk unnecessarily and/or stop breast feeding earlier. Undesirable breast feeding practices were found to be associated with urban residence, younger mother`s age, and higher educational attainment. Possible explanations for the decline in breast feeding are explored and implications for the development of more effective breast feeding promotion campaigns are discussed.